Man sentenced to jail, probation for hit-and-run injuring local musician
The victim, Ryan Donovan, faced Christopher Morris at the sentencing hearing
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - A man has been sentenced to jail and probation for a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a local musician in Green Bay.
Christopher Morris, 21, appeared before a Brown County Judge Wednesday for a plea and sentencing hearing. Hon. Marc A. Hammer ordered Morris to serve one year in county jail and four years on probation. His license was revoked for two years.
The crash injured local musician Ryan Donovan. Donovan spoke at Wednesday’s hearing.
“It’s a lifetime injury that affects everything - my job, playing guitar, driving, walking, and laundry and I’ll have to get therapy when I go home,” Donovan said. “Drinking and driving are not good no matter who you are because you might hurt an innocent person like me.”
Donovan’s father said he is not satisfied with Morris’ punishment.
“I couldn’t look him in the eye. It was difficult for everybody to see the person that damaged my son to the extent that he did,” Ryan’s Father Michael Donovan said. “I don’t think it was enough. My son is going to be affected for the rest of his life and a year in jail isn’t nearly enough of a penalty.”
With tears falling down his eyes, Morris apologized to Donovan and his family.
“Ryan I am so sorry and will forever be sorry for your injuries and for the impact this has had on your life,” Morris said.
On July 31, 2019, Morris was intoxicated when he hit Donovan at the intersection of Broadway and Dousman in downtown Green Bay.
As police responded to the crash, callers reported a black pickup truck driving erratically on Shawano Avenue. Police stopped the truck and noticed it had fresh damage.
A criminal complaint obtained by Action 2 News says Morris blew a 0.201 percent in a preliminary breath test. The legal limit to drive in Wisconsin is .08.
Survivor Ryan Donovan suffered brain injuries in the crash. He was placed in the ICU, but made a recovery.
Donovan is in the band Vacation. Musicians and friends held a benefit concert and silent auction for Donovan after the crash.
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